Small Intestine in LAB(ready for implant)
California researchers have created a tissue-engineered small-scale small intestine in mice, a breakthrough for regenerative medicine and a step toward growing new intestines for humans. The process re-creates all the layers of cells that make up a functioning intestine.
New small intestines grew on the scaffold, the researchers say, and they had all the constituents of a normal intestine. The new intestines “contained the most essential components of the originals,” according to the news release.
The research could someday be used to treat various intestinal disorders, including a particular gastrointestinal disease that affects premature babies, according to Children’s Hospital. An engineered replacement organ would conceivably last much longer than a transplant, if one is even available.
New small intestines grew on the scaffold, the researchers say, and they had all the constituents of a normal intestine. The new intestines “contained the most essential components of the originals,” according to the news release.
The research could someday be used to treat various intestinal disorders, including a particular gastrointestinal disease that affects premature babies, according to Children’s Hospital. An engineered replacement organ would conceivably last much longer than a transplant, if one is even available.
via Science Daily]
